Amorim's Year At Man Utd: Progress Or False Dawn?

Amorim’s Year at Man Utd: Progress or False Dawn?

Trending Gist

1 week ago

By Sunday Adekunle

Manchester United Under Ruben Amorim: A Year of Highs, Lows, and What’s Next?

Ruben Amorim marks a year at the helm of Manchester United, and the anniversary arrives with a fair amount of reflection. He himself admits the initial realization of the task’s immensity. A disastrous first season saw the club finish a dismal 15th in the Premier League and suffer defeat in the Europa League final. Even so, some are quietly encouraged by the strides made this term. Are things genuinely improving at Old Trafford?

Currently, United finds itself five games unbeaten in the Premier League, sitting sixth ahead of the weekend’s action. The initial spark, Amorim recalls, involved a complete shift in environment. The allure of managing in arguably the world’s best league, possibly even the world’s top club, was undeniable. Nevertheless, it was clear from the get-go that this undertaking demanded considerable effort.
>

Looking ahead, Amorim expects a transformation. “Of course, I expect a team with more control, more dominant, playing better football and, the most important thing, more competitive in every way.” Can he deliver? That’s the million-dollar question hanging over Old Trafford.

The Flickers of Light:

It hasn’t been a stellar year for United faithful. Yet, a growing sense of optimism has emerged in the last six weeks. A first victory at Anfield in nine years and a series of goals can give cause for cheer.
>

Ending a long wait for back-to-back top-flight wins hints at a level of consistency. Fueling this is the substantial £232m summer investment and the resulting squad revamp. Recall those fleeting moments of brilliance in Amorim’s inaugural season – the late victory over Manchester City or the Europa League triumphs against Real Sociedad and Athletic Club. The hope is that these become less fleeting and more a recurring theme.

The Shadows Remain:

Hold your horses, though. There have been numerous setbacks, ugly moments that temper any runaway enthusiasm. Amorim has even labeled his own side as “probably the worst team in the history” of the club. Consider this: a mere 45 points from 38 Premier League games paint a stark picture. That’s just not good enough for a club of United’s stature.

His record is the least impressive among those who’ve succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson. Indeed, United’s Premier League points tally ranks them 14th out of 17 ever-present teams during his tenure. Ouch.

That Europa League final defeat to Tottenham stung, denying United both silverware and a coveted Champions League spot. Moreover, it amplified critiques of Amorim’s unwavering faith in the 3-4-2-1 formation.

Key Injuries and Team Updates:

Amorim confirmed that Benjamin Sesko is sidelined for “a few weeks” due to a knee injury. This setback potentially coincides with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations, further stretching the squad. Harry Maguire remains unavailable for the Everton clash, but Kobbie Mainoo might return to action.

Brutal Honesty or Just Brutal?

Amorim hasn’t shied away from blunt assessments. “If we want to win the Premier League, we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to.” Hard words, yet his team actually ranked 14th for distance covered and total sprints last season.

He went further, stating: “In 10 games in the Premier League, we won two. We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.” While perhaps designed to shock, there’s a certain painful truth to it.

Perhaps the most memorable – and controversial – quote involved Marcus Rashford: “I would put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital [on] before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.” This statement, made after dropping Rashford from the squad, sent shockwaves.

A Skeptic’s Perspective:

Having observed similar cycles in football for years, I remain cautiously optimistic. The recent upturn in form is welcome, no doubt. Though, whether it signals a genuine turning point or merely a temporary reprieve is still unclear.

A lot hinges on consistency, and that’s something United has struggled with for far too long. The summer signings have undoubtedly injected quality. However, integrating them fully and establishing a cohesive team identity takes time.

Looking Ahead:

Amorim faces a pivotal period. This next stretch of games will be critical in shaping the narrative around his leadership. Any slip-ups, and the pressure will intensify. Deliver results, and he may just silence the doubters, including yours truly. The Premier League title seems like a mirage right now, but securing a Champions League spot has to be the minimum expectation.

The question isn’t just about tactics. It’s about the ability to galvanize a group of players. It’s about fostering a winning mentality. Also, crucially, it’s about navigating the relentless scrutiny that comes with managing a club of this magnitude.

Manchester United is never far from the headlines. Ruben Amorim is finding that out the hard way. The jury is still out. But, one thing is certain: the next chapter promises to be anything but dull.

Read Original